Speakers

Nicky Birch works in the BBC’s Generative AI programme, focusing on how AI can support content creation, streamline production workflows, and enable new approaches to storytelling, particularly in audio. She is helping the BBC steer the path through the editorial, ethical, and practical implications of AI in audio.

In her substantive role, Nicky leads innovation at BBC Sounds, developing experimental formats and strategies such as live news streams and playlists. Previously Nicky was Head of Development at the audio indie Somethin’ Else, having started her career as a radio producer. Alongside her BBC job, Nicky is an experienced podcast producer and editor, running the books podcast “Backlisted,” with a longstanding interest in audio innovation, format development, and the evolving relationship between technology and storytelling.